Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundBetter knowledge of the suprascapular notch anatomy may help to prevent and to assess more accurately suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Our purposes were to verify the reliability of the existing data, to assess the differences between the two genders, to verify the correlation between the dimensions of the scapula and the suprascapular notch, and to investigate the relationship between the suprascapular notch and the postero-superior limit of the safe zone for the suprascapular nerve.MethodsWe examined 500 dried scapulae, measuring seven distances related to the scapular body and suprascapular notch; they were also catalogued according to gender, age and side. Suprascapular notch was classified in accordance with Rengachary’s method. For each class, we also took into consideration the width/depth ratio. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation was calculated.ResultsThe frequencies were: Type I 12.4%, Type II 19.8%, Type III 22.8%, Type IV 31.1%, Type V 10.2%, Type VI 3.6%. Width and depth did not demonstrate a statistical significant difference when analyzed according to gender and side; however, a significant difference was found between the depth means elaborated according to median age (73 y.o.). Correlation indexes were weak or not statistically significant. The differences among the postero-superior limits of the safe zone in the six types of notches was not statistically significant.ConclusionsPatient’s characteristics (gender, age and scapular dimensions) are not related to the characteristics of the suprascapular notch (dimensions and Type); our data suggest that the entrapment syndrome is more likely to be associated with a Type III notch because of its specific features.
Highlights
Better knowledge of the suprascapular notch anatomy may help to prevent and to assess more accurately suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome
We examined 500 dried scapulae belonging to the anatomical collection of the Department of Anatomy from two Universities (53 + 59), the bone collection of the municipality of Rome (70), and a southern Italian region (318)
The dimensions of the suprascapular notch were compared with those presented in previous studies [3,9,32] (Table 6); the ranges of both distances proved to be wider than formerly assumed, we found the averages presented by the other authors to be over-estimated
Summary
Better knowledge of the suprascapular notch anatomy may help to prevent and to assess more accurately suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. The suprascapular notch (SN) serves as passage to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and it is converted into a foramen by the superior transverse scapular ligament [1]. Many studies have investigated and have identified the pathologic factors related to this syndrome. The following proved to be involved in the aetiology as well as Anatomical variations [3,9,10] and the anomalous or ossified superior transverse scapular ligament [9,11,12] are considered to be risk factors for suprascapular neuropathy. Different types of SN were identified [3,9,10]. Rengachary [3] distinguished VI types of SN basing the classification on morphologic and geometric features (Figure 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
